HEATHER DORAK, OWNER

Pilates Platinum began shortly after Heather Dorak had experienced her first work out on a Megaformer, which is the revolutionary version of the pilates machine, the Reformer. Like many of her current clients, she fell in love with the work out and experienced amazing results after just a short time. Her passion for health and fitness inspired her to open her first studio in Hollywood in 2006 with a small goal in mind to introduce this amazing workout to the community. The phenomenon caught on very quickly, so much that she decided to expand her business and has since opened studios in Brentwood, Venice Beach and most recently Santa Monica.

Pilates Platinum is dedicated to creating a fun and energizing workout that is a journey for the mind, body and core. We believe that great customer service, a beautiful clean studio, state of the art equipment and amazing trainers are key to creating the best fitness experience for our clients. Through our passion for health, fitness and service we believe that each 55 minute class can be transformed into an amazing experience every time and will inspire our clients to achieve their personal fitness goals.

PILATES PLATINUM TRAINERS

NICOLE DAY

Nicole has been teaching Pilates since 2011 and has been taking Pilates for close to a decade. Nicole’s taught on many different machines, but the Megaformer and Proformer at Pilates Platinum are what she considers home. Trained by Sebastien Lagree, Nicole prides herself on being able to teach the hardest class and most modified class at the same time. Whether you’re a Pilates aficionado or an ultra-beginner, she’ll make sure to create the best class for you.

MIKAEL PADILLA

Mikael grew up playing soccer, baseball, and football, while also practicing jujitsu and muy Thai. In 2005, Mikael started weight lifting with Sebastien Lagree and, soon after, became a certified Pilates instructor. Along with Pilates, Mikael is an Ace Certified personal trainer. His classes are packed with energy so every student is able to achieve their fitness goals quickly.

KY EVANS

Ky Evans is a trained ballet dancer-turned scientist who is obsessed with the idea that fitness is the ultimate form of human expression. His training patterns take natural functional movement to a whole new level. Evans holds degrees in Exercise Science & Biomechanics (with minors in Philosophy & Ballet) – and began his fitness career when he began working with visionary Sebastien Lagree, who introduced him to his Megaformer and taught him the Lagree Method. Soon after, Evans built his own following – becoming one of the most sought after group instructors in Los Angeles with a clientele that includes television and film personalities, professional athletes and Olympians. Evans has been featured in over 40 fitness publications and was Shape magazine’s 2014 Hottest Trainer in America.

Angie has been a trainer for about 7 years now! Although she holds certifications in cycle, TRX, and mat pilates, her true passion is teaching the Lagree method. It was the Lagree method that Angie fell in love with and that made her have a passion for the fitness world. In the 7yrs she’s been teaching different formats it’s only been the Lagree method that has kept her interest and wanting her to continue her education with The Lagree Method.

SARAH SUNG

Sarah’s a lifelong fitness enthusiast and certified Pilates instructor who’s been hooked since taking her first Megaformer class more than 8 years ago. She may seem like she’s always smiling, but don’t let that fool you– she’ll demand as much from you as she does from herself. Her intense choreographed classes will leave every muscle group feeling the burn. And if you need more, she’s always more than happy to throw in that one extra lizard crawl!

Prior to moving to LA in 2015, Sarah taught classical and megaformer pilates in NYC.
Sarah is certified by the Pilates Method Alliance and has completed additional pilates course work through The Kane School of Core Integration/Kinected, Anatomy Trains and Power Pilates. Sarah is also certified to teach TRX.

JENNY BRIAN

Jenny grew up in Baltimore and went on attend the University of Maryland, College Park on an athletic scholarship for swimming, becoming an All-ACC Sprinter and Division 1 NCAA qualifier.Jenny was introduced to Lagree Fitness while walking past the SaMo studio on her lunch break. After several years obsessing over the workout, Jenny made the leap from the tech industry to become a fitness instructor! She has excelled as an instructor, training numerous celebrity clients over the years and has earned the reputation of being one of the more challenging instructors around town.

STEFANIE HASBANY

From NYC to LA, Stefanie brings her east meets west vibe to Pilates Platinum. Stef’s dance and Pilates background allow her to choreograph a class that’s technical but also moves with the beat. Stef grew up dancing at the acclaimed “Fame” LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts in NYC, with the American Repertory Princeton Ballet, and as a scholarship recipient at the Broadway Dance Center. She went from ballerina to showgirl and chorus girl to Pilates. Stefanie trained with Core Pilates NYC and the Pilates Academy International. Stef left NYC teaching Pilates and Barre at the beautiful Flex Studios in Union Square, formerly Pilates ProWorks. She loves LA and has been happily teaching and making new friends at PP for the last three years.

MARIA PALLAS

A former NFL cheerleader and dancer with a BS in Nutrition Dietetics, Maria holds a MFA in acting and is obsessed with her daughter and Pilates. She started as a client and was instantly hooked, as Pilates Platinum was the first workout to truly change her body for the better! While long, lean muscles look amazing, this is about so much more to her. It’s about doing something good for yourself that makes you feel great, strong and energized with the ability to keep up with a toddler! Maria is also a certified Da Vinci Board and Stroller Strides instructor, where she works with pre and post-natal moms.

KRISTI SLAGER

Kristi grew up in Ohio and has always been a mover and shaker. An avid runner since the age of nine, she’s always been an athlete, participating in everything from lacrosse to field hockey to track. Kristi has a dance background and currently teaches Dance for Artists and is also an actor Movement Coach for both new and Oscar-winning actors here in LA. Both the athlete and dancer in Kristi fell in love with Pilates 4 years ago for its focus on correct form while strengthening and lengthening the body.

LUKE LOMBARDO

Luke Lombardo’s first love is fitness, as witnessed by his credentials as a Lagree Certified trainer, RRCA Certified Running Coach, and fitness writer. Luke has been a dedicated athlete from a very young age. He belongs to a elite running team in LA and has also run marathons for numerous charities, raising money for children as well as for ALS. Currently he has a record high of placing 16th in his age group for the LA Marathon.

Luke’s high energy, athleticism and likeability have attracted press coverage, including The Today Show, E! News, Good Morning America, In Style, NY1, Fox5, NY Daily, Metro NY, Shape and Gawker, to name a few. Luke claims that nothing in the world makes him happier than helping others reach their fitness goals.

TARA SINGER

Tara is certified as a Lagree Fitness Pilates instructor and a Mag Dogg Spinning instructor. She is also a full-time legal executive for a film studio. Tara, who has been teaching with Pilates Platinum since 2008, wants you to enjoy the time you share with her while pushing your body further than you thought you could. Between the music from her eclectic playlist, the energy of those around you, and Tara’s precise verbal cues, every class makes for an invigorating combination. Leave the judgments at the door and let Tara guide you on your journey to a stronger, more powerful you!

LAURA VOROS

Laura Voros Laura graduated college with a degree in physical education and played volleyball professionally. However, it was not until she started Lagree Mega Reformer Pilates that she instantly fell in love with the training and method. Her classes are challenging, but she will always encourage her clients to smile and work on their form. Laura believes that when you get out of your comfort zone, the magic happens. In her class, you will get a dynamic workout that is guaranteed to transform your body safely, all while strengthening your core.

JAIME K. ULLMAN

Jaime K. Ullman, a modern dancer with multiple Pilates training certifications, enjoys teaching students who want to work and don’t complain. Her peaceful nature is a compliment to her highly technical, hands-on approach to teaching. She helps students work out injuries, stay fit, or simply feel empowered. The workouts are challenging, inspiring, disciplined, always teasing the mind, and always safe. With her deep knowledge of the body and her personal intuition, she will seriously whip your ass into shape.

JULIAN PORCINO

A recent transplant from NYC, Julian is a true Megaformer enthusiast. After he saw how fast the Megaformer transformed his body, he decided to become an instructor to spread the Megaformer love. In addition to teaching classes, Julian is also an interior designer. He enjoys the combination of transforming people’s homes and bodies!

PIPER MICHELLE

Former fashion designer and Cincinnati, OH native, Piper brings high-energy and the motivation to move to Pilates Platinum. After discovering the magic of Pilates Platinum, she realized it’s more than just a workout, but something that can inspire change in every aspect of your life. As a coach, Piper wants to support and create the opportunities for you to shine and uncover what you can do, on-and -off the Megaformer. When she’s not stomping around the studio, she can be found climbing rocks in Bishop. She believes that everyone should live passionately and do things that serve them well.

DEBI MONAHAN

Debi realized early on that a career as a performer was in her blood. The Broadway stage became her home, earning her the title “Ultimate Triple Threat” (actress, dancer, singer) as she appeared in multiple Tony award winning shows. After moving to LA, she starred in shows like Night Court, Shattered, Seinfeld, and The Practice, just to name just a few.

With multiple certifications and a leading voice in the fitness industry for over 14 years, Debi trains and transforms the bodies of today’s biggest celebrities in TV, film, sports, and modeling, and has even worked with the Royal Family. Debi is also a proud contributor to Dr. Harold Lancer’s book, Younger, as the Celebrity Pilates/Fitness expert.

DOMINIQUE DUNCAN

Dominique took her first Lagree Fitness class several years ago at PP SaMo while visiting from the east coast and got hooked! While working on her PhD in Electrical Engineering at Yale, Dominique drove to NYC regularly to get her megaformer fix.Her classes offer upbeat music (new remixes of her favorite songs), encouraging motivation, shaking and sweating, and emphasis on form. She’s committed to helping people of all fitness levels attain their goals with the safest and most efficient method. She’s a postdoc by day, working on research on neurological diseases, and believes you need efficient and fun workouts!

KOURTNEY MCCULLOUGH

Kourtney McCullough is a former ballet dancer and has over twenty years of dance experience. Originally from Orange County, she graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. She was first certified in classical Pilates before discovering and falling in love with the Lagree Method. The combination of her dance and classical Pilates background give her an extra eye for technique and body alignment, giving you lasting results without the risk of injury. In addition to teaching, she is a fitness writer whose work can be seen in Forbes and Health magazines. She is also a certified holistic health coach.

LiNDSAY WHITLEY

Lindsay has been committed to fitness most of her life. She competed at an elite level in basketball, track and soccer through college at Washington State University. Her Lagree trainer success is rooted in the interaction tools she learned while earning her communication degree and collaborating with family members who specialized in both physical/occupational therapy. To put it simply, if you need rehab/injury prevention or pre/post natal work, see Lindsay! Class participants love her motivating attitude, great music, and challenging, yet fun pace. Bonus – Lindsay is also a Certified Holistic Health Coach, Speed & Agility Coach, Personal Trainer, and Spin Instructor. Follow @linzwhit to learn more and watch her creative #skateboard Pilates videos from her home in Venice Beach and travels abroad.

RICKY REBEL

Ricky Rebel is an SPX certified instructor and has a classic Pilates certification on the Reformer. A Californian, Rebel competed nationally in Gymnastics and Ranked in the U.S.G.F. top 15 at the age of seven. After gymnastics, he started professionally dancing and appeared in music videos, national commercials (Pepsi, Verizon McDonald’s), movies (Austin Powers), and several theatrical roles.

On top of being an avid athlete, he’s also an accomplished musician. In 2000, Rebel was discovered by Michael Jackson, signed to Madonna’s label Maverick Records, toured Europe twice, and opened for Britney Spears as the lead singer in the pop group No Authority. “Pilates has allowed my body to stay in top physical shape,” he says. “Without it, I would not be able to perform the way that I do. I use all of my knowledge as a gymnast and professional dancer and incorporate that with my experience being on stage to create a challenging workout that’s fun and transforms your body by toning your muscles and also lengthening them all at the same time. I like to think of every class like a show. When you perform your moves like you are onstage, you get maximum results.”

AMIE BARSKY

Lighthearted, silly yet sincere, and heath conscious, Amie Barsky has been teaching in the health and wellness community for over 10 years. In addition to being a health and wellness coach, Amie is a certified personal trainer, yoga, Pilates, barre & meditation instructor, as well as a motivational speaker. Amie is passionate about inspiring others to help set personal goals. She believes in motivation through affirmation while assisting people to make a commitment by taking action steps towards their own evolution. She is on a mission to change the world one conversation, one connection, and one commitment at a time, striving for balance and progress in all avenues of our lives by loving our temple from the inside out.

JULIET CHUNG

Juliet was raised in the Bay Area and has a double major in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience and Public Policy from the University of California, San Diego. She is certified in TRX Advanced Sports Medicine, Kaiser and RealRyder Spin, and Lagree Fitness Pilates. She also has credits from the following organizations: ACE, AFAA, Canfitpro, ISSA, NASM, NSCA, PTA Global, SkillsActive REPS, AFLCA, and BCRPA. She has partnered with Physical and Occupational Therapists in Southern California to assist in the development of transitional Post Rehab Fitness programs and has worked in several fitness studios throughout Southern California. In her classes, expect a lot of sweat and high energy. When she’s not teaching Pilates, Juliet works as a consultant for a public agency and is involved in the “Homeless Education Program” for the Los Angeles Unified School District. In Juliet’s classes, egos are discouraged, fun is required, and hard work is expected.

NATASHA KAWASAKI

Natasha Kawasaki is a Lagree Fitness Master trainer. When she’s not teaching in LA she travels around the world leading certification courses for Sebastien Lagree, the creator of the Megaformer used at the Platinum studios. She loves how this workout remains challenging for students, so they continue to see and feel the benefits from it without putting stress on their joints. Her class focuses on pushing your limits while keeping you safe through precise alignment and controlled movements.